Watervale: Wine, Trails and Views

Watervale offers several specific ways to shape your trip: the Riesling Trail and its cellar doors, the short walk to Mount Horrocks Lookout, and wine and restaurant experiences. These different highlights give your search for a hotel in Watervale a clear direction.

Trails through Watervale and the Clare Valley

The Riesling Trail passes numerous cellar doors and other visitor attractions. It is suitable for recreational walkers, mountain bikers, touring cyclists, wheelchair users and people with prams. Parking for the Riesling Trail is available in Watervale. You can plan the trail as a destination in its own right or include the visitor experiences along the route in your trip.

The short walking trail from Watervale to Mount Horrocks Lookout passes through Watervale’s historic town centre, vineyards, cellar doors and the rolling Clare Valley countryside, ending at the lookout with its 360-degree views. The route brings together local history and wine country with a clear destination. The views are not the only highlight: along the way, the route takes you through the town and the surrounding landscape. If you are choosing between the two trails, the Riesling Trail passes numerous cellar doors and visitor attractions, while the short walking trail links the town centre and vineyards with the lookout.

Be aware of access conditions on this walking trail: one section crosses private land and is closed during bushfire season. The section on council roads is accessible year-round. As conditions may change depending on the fire situation, check the latest access information before setting out.

Wine and local cuisine

Crabtree Watervale Wines is in the heart of Watervale, just a short walk from the Riesling Trail. The original 1850s homestead is part of the tasting room. Crabtree invites visitors to sample its selection of premium, handcrafted estate-grown wines. The wine experience here is closely connected with the history of the homestead.

The Penobscot Restaurant at the Watervale Hotel is a farm-to-plate restaurant that sources produce from several local farms, including its own certified organic and biodynamic Penobscot Farm. The hotel also offers the Penobscot Farm Tour and degustation dinners at the Chef’s Table. The farm tour starts at 4 pm and can be combined with lunch or dinner. If you are planning to combine the tour and a meal, check the details for your intended visit date in advance.

Accommodation and trip planning

The former Stanley Grammar School is a historic 19th-century building in Watervale that offers private bed and breakfast accommodation. If you are considering a bed and breakfast as well as hotels, include it as a separate type of accommodation in your plans. This helps you focus your search for hotels in Watervale on the plans that will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Auburn, Clare, Mintaro, Penwortham

For the broader travel overview: Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.